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Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Inca Trail Peru

What is the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu?

The Inca Trail is a world-famous hiking route in the Peruvian Andes that leads to the ancient Inca city of Machu Picchu. Over 43 kilometers (26 miles), this multi-day trek takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery, lush cloud forests and impressive Inca archaeological sites. The journey offers an unforgettable adventure, ending with the iconic view of Machu Picchu at sunrise from the Sun Gate.

 

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The Inca Trail requires permits in order to hike these treks. We recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to secure your spot (only 200 hikers allowed per day)! We offer two main treks, the Classic 4 Day Inca Trail and the Short 2 Day Inca trail, along this famous trail, both including Machu Picchu. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore Cusco and Machu Picchu – a once in a lifetime experience! Contact us if you need some guidance in choosing which trek is best for you!

About Hiking The Inca Trail

Traveling the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most memorable travel experiences you can have. There are different options to walk this historic route, with excursions of 1, 2, 4, 4, 5 or 7 days that cover all or part of the famous Classic Inca Trail. All tours begin in the Sacred Valley, near Cuzco, and culminate at the mystical Sun Gate, from where you have the first view of Machu Picchu.

A special permit is required to hike any section of the Inca Trail. These permits can only be obtained by travel agencies authorized by the Peruvian government to operate on this route. Therefore, it is important to book in advance.

For those who dream of reaching Machu Picchu through a unique experience, the Inca Trail offers several alternatives that adapt to the time and adventure level of each traveler.

The most popular option is the 4-day Classic Inca Trail, available in group or private tours. This route allows you to delve into Inca history, traverse ancient stone paths and camp amid spectacular scenery before arriving at the Sun Gate at dawn.

If you have less time or prefer a shorter hike, the 2-day Short Inca Trail is ideal. This tour combines a moderate hike with the entrance to Machu Picchu through the same access as the classic trail, making it an excellent option for those looking for a memorable experience without the physical challenge of a long hike.

For the more adventurous, there are more extensive options such as the 5-day Inca Trail, which allows for a more leisurely exploration of the archaeological sites along the way, or the challenging and spectacular 7-day Salkantay Tour with Inca Trail, which merges two of Peru’s most famous trekking routes.

And for those who wish to complement their Andean experience, many travelers opt to add a day trip to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, an excursion that offers unique scenery and an extra dose of adventure.

Map of the Inca Trail – 4-Day and 5-Day Treks
Map Inca trail 4 days
Map of the Inca Trail: 2-Day and 1-Day Routes
short inca trail map

Inca Trail Permits

Discover how to secure your permits for the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Get detailed information on availability, booking procedures, and tips for a successful trek.

Inca Trail Permits

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Inca Trail Trek FAQ: Clear Your Doubts for an Unforgettable Adventure

It depends on your chosen tour option. If you’re booking the short Inca Trail to the ancient citadel, we advise you to book two to four months in advance. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for the classic four day Inca trek or the extended five-day option, you’ll need to schedule even earlier to get the date you want.

Depending on your preferred month, you may need to book six months (or more) in advance. The permits for Inca tours are expected to come out in October of every year. Plus, many of the dates are booked up within minutes.

As your tour provider, we do our best to obtain the permits for your chosen date. We are able to secure the preferred dates for our customers most of the time. Just to be on the safe side, we recommend that you provide us with at least two alternative dates in the event that we’re unable to get permits for the date you want. This allows us to secure permits for you and make sure you get the opportunity to experience an incredible Inca trail journey.

We make sure that our hikers’ information is ready to use and up to date to secure the Inca Trail permit on their preferred dates. Peak months, such as April, May, June and July, sell out within minutes. Any delays in booking could prevent us from obtaining your Inca Trail permit, especially for the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

You can make adjustments on the starting date for the 2026 Inca Trails before the permits go on sale in October 2025.
Once we buy the permits, however, you may no longer move the start date, transfer the permit to another hiker, or obtain a refund. If you want to change the date, a new permit purchase is required

It may be possible to book at the last minute with the 2 day or 1 day Inca Trail and perhaps the Classic Inca Trail (4 or 5 day) if you are looking to trek in a month of the year where demand is lower. However, it is not recommended! The permits are not the only item that can book out, trains and hotels can also book out. Please do not wait until the last minute, book now if you have set dates!

We need the personal information appearing on your passport. This includes your complete name, date of birth, passport number, gender and nationality. After booking, please provide us with a copy of your passport. You may also book using the personal details on your driver’s license. Just make sure that the information on your license matches the details on your passport.

If you’ve applied for your passport but haven’t received it, use your driver’s license to book with us. Once you have your new passport, email us a picture of it along with your driver’s license. We’ll update the information that will go on the permit. Please bring both forms of identification when you visit Peru. You can use your passport to book your hike if it is expiring. Once you get your new passport, take a photo of that along with your old passport. Then email us the pictures and bring both passports when you come to Peru

No. The Peruvian government has strictly regulated the Inca Trail. Only fully licensed tour operators can book this hike. We take pride in the fact that we’re one of the few fully licensed Inca Trail tour operators in Peru. You won’t regret putting your trust in us.

We specialize in small groups of two to eight people. We want all our hikers to have the best journey possible. Keeping the groups small allows you to get to know your fellow travelers better and helps you have a great trekking experience.

You have the option to book a private hike at an additional cost. The fee varies, depending on the private group size. If you go on a private tour, you’ll have your own chef, porters, personal guide, toilet tent and dining tent. Take note, though, that you won’t be hiking or camping alone on the trail, as there may be other groups who are camping and hiking on the same path.

You have the option to book a private hike at an additional cost. The fee varies, depending on the private group size. If you go on a private tour, you’ll have your own chef, porters, personal guide, toilet

The process is easy. Just click the BOOK NOW link and follow the instructions. If you have further questions, you can either give us a call or chat with us online.

When booking, get your passport details ready and email us a copy of your passport. Once we get your completed booking form and the deposit fee, we’ll send you an email confirmation. Once the government releases the permits, our staff will send another confirmation stating that we’ve secured the permits for your desired date.

The process is easy. Just click the BOOK NOW link and follow the instructions. If you have further questions, you can either give us a call or chat with us online.

When booking, get your passport details ready and email us a copy of your passport. Once we get your completed booking form and the deposit fee, we’ll send you an email confirmation. Once the government releases the permits, our staff will send another confirmation stating that we’ve secured the permits for your desired date.

An incredible journey awaits you. Book with us today.

  • PASSPORT: You MUST take your original passport, a photocopy is not acceptable. (Keep it in a plastic bag, in case of rain).
  • EXTRA MONEY: For tips, extra drinks and souvenirs.
  • INFLATABLE MATTRESSES: It is recommended to have an inflatable mattress for comfort but not required. SAM Travel Peru foam mattresses are included within the package price. If you would like to rent an inflatable high quality Thermarest mattress, we have them available to rent for $20 USD per person. If you rent the air mattress, you still get the foam mattress to put under it.
  • WALKING POLES: It is highly recommended that you have walking poles for your trek. SAM Travel Peru has professional extendable poles available to rent for $15 USD a pair, per person.
  • WATERPROOF, WELL WORN IN WALKING BOOTS: Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential. Whatever you wear on your feet, the most important thing is comfort. It is vital to ensure your boots are well worn in and lightweight. Ankle support and waterproofing is recommended but if you already have something comfortable with good grip, then don’t go rushing out to buy new boots – you are better off with your well worn in pair!
  • WATERPROOF CLOTHING: A plastic poncho is recommended, which is provided by SAM during your briefing. Some trekkers also like to bring waterproof trousers, however, a poncho will be sufficient if it covers your bag, body and most of your legs.
  • PLASTIC BAGS: Keep your belongings and clothes dry inside the duffel. Bags are included in your duffel, which you receive during your briefing. We recommend that you wrap everything in plastic because the duffels are not waterproof.
  • TOILET PAPER:  This is an important item to bring during the trek! Bring small plastic bags for rubbish, which can be thrown in the main rubbish bag provided by the porters at camp.
  • SMALL TOWEL AND BASIC PERSONAL TOILETRIES: There are showers available at the campsite on the third night. Bring travel size shampoo and shower gel, if you would like to use it, plus wet wipes for the rest of the trek.
  • WATER BOTTLE: Bring one large (1.5 liter) or two or three small reusable water bottles that can be refilled on the trail with boiled water, which will be supplied when possible, usually after meal times. Please do not bring disposable bottles!
  • WARM CLOTHING FOR THE NIGHT TIME: Fleece, long pants, woolen hat, gloves.
  • THERMAL UNDERWEAR: If trekking in winter or if you tend to get cold easily.
  • WALKING CLOTHING – YOU NEED TO LAYER UP: e.g. zip off trousers, fleece, T-shirts.
  • PERSONAL MEDICATION AND BASIC FIRST AID KIT: Band aids, blister kit, Imodium, Panadol, rehydration salts, and any other medication prescribed by your doctor.
  • CAMERA AND EXTRA BATTERIES, MEMORY CARDS: Please note: there are no electrical outlets on the Inca Trail so make sure you fully charge up/or have spare batteries!
  • SNACKS: Chocolates, chips, crackers, granola bars, or energy bars etc. Additional snacks are provided during the trek, but you may like to bring some extras, just in case.
  •  FLASHLIGHT: This is very important! (and extra batteries)
  • FOR THE SUN: Sunscreen, sunglasses and sunhat
  • INSECT REPELLENT: Tropical strength
  • ANTISEPTIC HAND GEL
  • SWIMWEAR FOR AGUAS CALIENTES HOT SPRINGS: Towels can be rented for 5 soles.
  • FLIP FLOPS / SANDALS: If you wish to have a shower on the third night.

We that recommend you bring your own sleeping bag. However, you can rent one from SAM Travel for $20 USD per person, that is guaranteed to be warm and professionally cleaned. If you are planning to purchase a sleeping bag, it is a good idea to purchase a four season (or -10 C) sleeping bag during the winter months. For other months, you will probably be fine in a 3 season (or -4/-5 C) sleeping bag, although this depends on how much you feel the cold and is given as a guideline only.

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